Tindersticks - "The Something Rain" CD

The English gentlemen of Tindersticks have been quietly producing their distinctive and stylish blend of narrative and theatrical rock-slash-sound poetry for 20 years now. "The Something Rain" is their first vocal-based "pop" album after several film soundtracks. It all begins with "Chocolate", a cinematic bit of storytelling courtesy of frontman Stuart Staples.

With similarities to Scott Walker, Nick Cave's Bad Seeds, or Leonard Cohen, the Tindersticks' classy, literate music is mellow, mature, and moody, drawing inspiration from European traditions, as well as vintage soul ("Show Me Everything") and noir soundtracks. For example, "Medicine" is a slyly romantic slice of melancholy, and "Frozen" is like a classic nocturnal spy-thriller in audio form. No, Tindersticks don't "rock", but they do possess a great skill at subtlety with sound, and in a tangent rock format. Well-done! (Constellation)

Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra - "The West Will Rise Again" 2x7"

Fresh from their reformation stint as post-rock/drone legends Godspeed! You Black Emperor, Canadian formation Silver Mt. Zion here release a limited double-single and their first new tunes in 2 years.

"What We Loved Was Not Enough", in 2 parts, is a slow and almost mournful folk/chant reflection. "The State Did Not Agree" is a similar lament, with the wailed, strained vocals of Efrim Menuck. The fourth cut, "Psalms99", doesn't divulge much from that formula, either. This one's for collectors only, it seems. Me? I'm anxiously awaiting that new Godspeed! album. (Ruined City Birdsong Combos)

Vic Chesnutt - "North Star Deserter" CD

I was never very familiar with Chesnutt's highly-regarded back catalogue, but this new release on Canadian label Constellation is a superb collection of darkly introspective and atmospheric folk tunes, with musical contributions from Thee Silver Mt. Zion Orchestra and associates. Everything here is moody and literate, highlighted by the epic 'Debriefing', which begins as a textural collection of radio transmissions and 'found' sounds that erupt into a powerful and driving noise-infested rock song that further frames Chesnutt's desperately poetic words. 'You Are Never Alone' is another memorable cut, detailing a world-weary but uplifting set of circumstances that one can ordeal, with a lovely chorus of 'keep on keepin' on'. I can't help but think that this is precisely what A Silver Mt. Zion needs, a vocalist/songwriter who can express with great feeling the sorrow and fragility of life in this world, but with a finely-tuned spiritual side that doesn't drag down, but inspires. Chesnutt is awesome here, gelling his rootsy and personal words with the group's sometimes minimalist, othertimes percussive and overloaded post-folk noise. Transcendent and beautiful work. (Constellation)

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